What To Know
- In terms of dimensions, the Ascent slightly surpasses the Highlander in length and width, offering a slightly more spacious cabin.
- The Subaru Ascent is available in five trim levels, ranging from the base model with a starting price of around $33,000 to the top-of-the-line Touring trim with a starting price of around $47,000.
- The Ascent excels in terms of interior space, performance, and fuel efficiency, while the Highlander boasts a more refined exterior design, a slightly more user-friendly infotainment system, and better safety ratings.
When it comes to choosing a reliable and spacious SUV, the Subaru Ascent and Toyota Highlander stand out as formidable contenders. Both vehicles offer a compelling blend of performance, comfort, and versatility, but which one emerges victorious in this head-to-head comparison? This comprehensive guide will delve into every aspect of the Subaru Ascent vs Toyota Highlander rivalry, helping you make an informed decision.
Exterior Design and Dimensions
The Ascent and Highlander boast distinctive exterior designs. The Ascent exudes ruggedness with its boxy silhouette and prominent grille, while the Highlander presents a more sleek and aerodynamic appearance. In terms of dimensions, the Ascent slightly surpasses the Highlander in length and width, offering a slightly more spacious cabin.
Interior Space and Comfort
Both SUVs provide ample interior space for passengers and cargo. The Ascent’s 8-passenger seating capacity gives it an edge over the Highlander’s 7-passenger maximum. Both vehicles feature comfortable seats and a variety of storage compartments, but the Ascent’s panoramic moonroof offers a more airy and expansive feel.
Performance and Fuel Efficiency
Under the hood, the Ascent is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine that delivers 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. The Highlander, on the other hand, offers two engine options: a 3.5-liter V6 with 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, or a 2.5-liter hybrid system with 243 net horsepower. Fuel efficiency is slightly better in the Highlander Hybrid, but the Ascent’s turbocharged engine provides more responsive acceleration.
Safety Features
Safety is paramount in both the Ascent and Highlander. Both vehicles have earned top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). They come equipped with a comprehensive suite of active and passive safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
Technology and Connectivity
The Ascent and Highlander are well-equipped with advanced technology features. The Ascent features a large 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while the Highlander offers a 12.3-inch touchscreen. Both systems provide Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, as well as navigation and a premium audio system. However, the Highlander’s infotainment system is slightly more user-friendly and responsive.
Pricing and Trims
The Subaru Ascent is available in five trim levels, ranging from the base model with a starting price of around $33,000 to the top-of-the-line Touring trim with a starting price of around $47,000. The Toyota Highlander is also offered in five trim levels, with prices starting at around $35,000 for the base model and reaching around $50,000 for the Platinum trim.
Which One is Right for You?
The Subaru Ascent and Toyota Highlander are both exceptional SUVs that offer a lot of value for their price. The Ascent excels in terms of interior space, performance, and fuel efficiency, while the Highlander boasts a more refined exterior design, a slightly more user-friendly infotainment system, and better safety ratings.
Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize interior space, performance, and fuel efficiency, the Subaru Ascent is a compelling choice. If you prefer a more refined exterior design, a user-friendly infotainment system, and top-notch safety ratings, the Toyota Highlander is the better option.
What People Want to Know
Q: Which SUV has more horsepower?
A: The Toyota Highlander V6 has slightly more horsepower (295 hp) than the Subaru Ascent (260 hp).
Q: Which SUV has a better fuel economy?
A: The Toyota Highlander Hybrid has better fuel economy than both the Subaru Ascent and the Highlander V6.
Q: Which SUV has a larger cargo capacity?
A: The Subaru Ascent has a slightly larger cargo capacity than the Toyota Highlander, with 19.5 cubic feet behind the third row of seats compared to 16.0 cubic feet in the Highlander.